Fragments of Us (Megumi Fushiguro)

CHAPTER 22

The sun was high, and the intensity of training echoed across the field as Megumi, Yuji, and Nobara put their full effort into it. Y/N sat quietly on the stairs nearby, her gaze following them but with a distant look in her eyes. Gojo, as usual, stayed nearby, his carefree demeanor intact as he made lighthearted comments, clearly attempting to keep the mood up. But despite his efforts, a tension lingered around them—one that Megumi felt deeply.

During each break, Megumi made his way over to Y/N. Today, he noticed something different about her—she wasn't her usual bright, animated self. Instead, her energy seemed dampened, her smiles soft but lacking their usual spark.

"You okay?" he asked, sitting beside her and tilting his head to catch her gaze.

She smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm fine, Megumi. Just...a little tired, that's all. I might just need some rest."

Megumi frowned, unsatisfied with her answer. "You're not acting like yourself," he said quietly, a slight edge in his voice. "You're not just tired, are you?"

Y/N's smile softened as she looked at him. "Don't worry about me. Really, it's nothing big. I'll be back to myself soon," she assured, giving his arm a light squeeze. "It's just...one of those days."

But Megumi could feel the worry gnawing at him. He wanted her to be herself—to be laughing, to call his name, to depend on him. This version of her, quiet and tired, left him uneasy. He wanted her to trust him enough to be open about what she was feeling.

"Y/N..." he started, but before he could continue, Gojo strolled over with his usual easygoing grin.

"Alright, break time's over, lovebirds!" he called, smirking as he looked between the two of them. "We've got a lot of work to do if we're going to be the strongest!"

Megumi glared at Gojo, clearly annoyed. But Y/N's faint smile made him pause. "See?" she said softly. "There's nothing to worry about. Go finish training—I'll be right here."

Reluctantly, Megumi stood up, casting a last glance back at her before joining Yuji and Nobara. The entire time, he found himself stealing glances her way, his concern only growing. Every time he returned, he felt the same ache; she'd smile, assure him she was fine, but her usual energy was nowhere to be found.

As the day drew to a close, the others prepared to head back, but Megumi lingered by her side. "You can tell me if something's wrong, you know?" he whispered as they walked.

Y/N laughed softly, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. "I know. You're always looking out for me. Thank you, Megumi."

The simplicity of her words made his heart ache. He took her hand, his gaze intent. "I want you to be able to lean on me. If you're tired, I'll carry the weight with you. Just...let me be here for you."

Her eyes met his, a spark of warmth filling her gaze. "You already are, Megumi. More than you know." She leaned in slightly, resting her head against his shoulder. "I don't think I could get through all of this without you."

They stayed like that, silent but close, as the world around them seemed to disappear. In that moment, it felt like nothing else mattered—just the quiet understanding between them.